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Tuesday, July 5, 2016

Come meet the goats of Confluence Park

For the past three weeks, a herd of approximately 100 goats have been dining on weeds in Confluence (West Nose Creek) Park as a pilot to test grazing as a tool to manage City park land.

Come kid around with us

A drop-in meet and greet is planned at the park for Saturday, July 9 between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Everyone is invited. Come pet the animals, see the baby goats, and ask us questions. Our staff and educators will also be on site to answer questions about land management, weed control and the use of goats in these activities.

Please dress appropriately for walking on uneven ground. We also ask those attending to wear clean clothing and shoes, especially if they've been around other livestock, and to consider leaving dogs at home. This is to promote the good health of the herd at Confluence Park.

Parking is available at the Beddington Trail lot; on-site staff and signage will provide direction to the goats.

It’s go(at) time

Early indicators are that this pilot has been successful. So far we’ve learned that goats can be used without disrupting our visitors’ enjoyment of the park, whether on foot, on bicycle, or with a leashed dog.

Preliminary signs also indicate that the goats have done an excellent job targeting a significant volume and variety of invasive weeds such as Canada thistle, hound’s tongue, and hawkweed.

We look forward to seeing you at the meet and greet. And if you are interested in learning more before Saturday please visit us online at calgary.ca/goats. Or join the meet and greet Facebook event.